Systems, devices, and methods for implementing spectral reflectance imaging using narrow band emitters

ABSTRACT

A system for obtaining a multispectral image of a scene includes a first light source, a second light source, at least one imaging sensor, and a controller. The first light source emits light in a first wavelength range. The second light source emits light in a second wavelength range. The at least one imaging sensor senses light in the first wavelength range reflected off of the scene during a first illumination sensing period and senses light in the second wavelength range reflected off of the scene during a second illumination sensing period. The controller is electrically coupled to the at least one imaging sensor. The controller interprets signals received from the at least one imaging sensor as imaging data, stores the imaging data, and analyzes the imaging data with regard to multiple dimensions. The first illumination sensing period and the second illumination sensing period are discrete time periods.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/832,475, filed Mar. 27, 2020, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/829,859, filed,Apr. 5, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/826,434, filedMar. 29, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/826,445, filedMar. 29, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/826,449,filed Mar. 29, 2019, the entire contents of each of which is herebyincorporated by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate to spectral reflectance imaging.

SUMMARY

Spectral reflectance imaging can be used to analyze plants or crops fordevelopment and disease detection. Spectral reflectance imaging can alsobe used to analyze paintings or other colored objects to determine themethod of production, materials used, or to detect forgeries andrepairs. Conventional spectral reflectance imaging uses a widebandilluminant (e.g., broadband white light, daylight, an electric lightsource of known spectral content, etc.) and a specialized camera (e.g.,a multispectral or hyperspectral camera). Such cameras implement aseries of precision band-pass filters, which typically include dichroicfilters, diffraction gratings, etc. Such cameras are also bulky,complex, and prohibitively expensive.

Embodiments described herein provide systems, devices, and methods forobtaining a multispectral image using a comparatively less expensiveimaging sensor (e.g., a monochrome camera) and by lighting a scene usinga sequence of narrow band emitters. One narrow band emitter can be usedfor each waveband of interest. In some embodiments, such a technique isimplemented in an obscured or low ambient light environment (e.g., notoutdoors or in the presence of daylight). Illumination is provided by acollection of narrow band emitters (e.g., LEDs, tunable diffused laser,etc.). A controller collects and stores a set of images or image datasets obtained from the imaging sensor and analyzes the images inmultiple dimensions. For example, a first and second dimensioncorrespond to x-y spatial dimensions of an imaged object. A thirddimension corresponds to the spectral dimension and the spectral contentof an image is analyzed. In some embodiments, implementation oftime-lapse imaging by the controller provides a fourth dimension ofimage analysis. The results of the image analysis can then be used to,for example, monitor plants or crops for distress or disease.

Systems described herein provide for obtaining a multispectral image ofa scene. The systems include a first light source, a second lightsource, at least one imaging sensor, and a controller. The first lightsource emits light in a first wavelength range onto the scene. Thesecond light source emits light in a second wavelength range onto thescene. The at least one imaging sensor senses light in the firstwavelength range reflected off of the scene during a first illuminationsensing period and senses light in the second wavelength range reflectedoff of the scene during a second illumination sensing period. Thecontroller is connected to the at least one imaging sensor. Thecontroller receives signals from the at least one imaging sensor asimaging data, stores the imaging data, and analyzes the imaging datawith regard to multiple dimensions. The first illumination sensingperiod and the second illumination sensing period are discrete timeperiods.

Systems described herein provide for obtaining a multispectral image ofa scene. The systems include a first light source, a second lightsource, a first imaging device, and a second imaging device. The firstlight source emits light in a first wavelength range onto the scene. Thesecond light source emits light in a second wavelength range onto thescene. The first imaging device includes a first imaging sensor and afirst controller. The first imaging sensor senses light in the firstwavelength range reflected off of the scene during a first illuminationsensing period. The first controller is connected to the first imagingsensor. The first controller receives signals from the first imagingsensor as first imaging data, stores the first imaging data, andanalyzes the first imaging data with regard to a plurality ofdimensions. The second imaging device includes a second imaging sensorand a second controller. The second imaging sensor senses light in thesecond wavelength range reflected off of the scene during a secondillumination sensing period. The second controller is connected to thesecond imaging sensor. The second controller receives signals from thesecond imaging sensor as second imaging data, stores the second imagingdata, and analyzes the second imaging data with regard to multipledimensions. The first illumination sensing period and the secondillumination sensing period are discrete time periods.

Methods described herein provide for obtaining a multispectral image ofa scene. The methods include directing light in a first wavelength rangeonto the scene, detecting the light in the first wavelength range afterthe light has reflected off of the scene during a first illuminationsensing period, storing first imaging data corresponding to the detectedlight in the first wavelength range, directing light in a secondwavelength range onto the scene after the first illumination sensingperiod, detecting the light in the second wavelength range after thelight has reflected off of the scene during a second illuminationsensing period, storing second imaging data corresponding to thedetected light in the second wavelength range, and analyzing the firstimaging data and the second imaging data for one or more patterns.

Before any embodiments are explained in detail, it is to be understoodthat the embodiments are not limited in application to the details ofthe configuration and arrangement of components set forth in thefollowing description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Theembodiments are capable of being practiced or of being carried out invarious ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology andterminology used herein are for the purpose of description and shouldnot be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or“having” and variations thereof are meant to encompass the items listedthereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unlessspecified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,”“supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly andencompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, andcouplings.

In addition, it should be understood that embodiments may includehardware, software, and electronic components or modules that, forpurposes of discussion, may be illustrated and described as if themajority of the components were implemented solely in hardware. However,one of ordinary skill in the art, and based on a reading of thisdetailed description, would recognize that, in at least one embodiment,the electronic-based aspects may be implemented in software (e.g.,stored on non-transitory computer-readable medium) executable by one ormore processing units, such as a microprocessor and/or applicationspecific integrated circuits (“ASICs”). As such, it should be noted thata plurality of hardware and software based devices, as well as aplurality of different structural components, may be utilized toimplement the embodiments. For example, “servers” and “computingdevices” described in the specification can include one or moreprocessing units, one or more computer-readable medium modules, one ormore input/output interfaces, and various connections (e.g., a systembus) connecting the components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a lighting system.

FIG. 2 illustrates a lighting system.

FIG. 3 illustrates a control system for implementing spectralreflectance imaging using narrow band emitters.

FIG. 4 illustrates a timing diagram for implementing spectralreflectance imaging.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method of obtaining a multispectral image.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a lighting system 100 that includes four lightfixtures 105, 110, 115, and 120. In the illustrated embodiment, thelight fixtures 105-120 are combined light fixtures and imaging devicesor imagers (e.g., including an imaging sensor, a camera, etc.). In otherembodiments, imaging devices separate from the light fixtures 105-120are used. Each of the fixtures/imagers 105-120 is connected to acontroller 125 in a wired or wireless manner for receiving controlsignals that control respective light outputs 140, 145, 150, and 155 ofthe fixtures/imagers 105-120. The fixtures/imagers 105-120 areconfigured to be capable of sensing the light 160, 165, 170, and 175that is reflected off of the surfaces of an object, such as the plants130, 135. In some embodiments, the fixtures/imagers 105-120 areconfigured to measure light in the range of approximately 1 micrometer(e.g., infrared light) to approximately 200 nanometers (e.g.,ultraviolet light).

FIG. 2 illustrates a lighting system 200 that includes four lightfixtures 205, 210, 215, and 220. In the illustrated embodiment, thelight fixtures 205-220 are combined light fixtures and imaging devicesor imagers (e.g., including an imaging sensor, a camera, etc.). In otherembodiments, imaging devices separate from the light fixtures 205-220are used. Each of the fixtures/imagers 205-220 includes its own internalcontroller for controlling respective light outputs 235, 240, 245, and250 of the fixtures/imagers 205-220. The controllers internal to each ofthe fixtures/imagers 205-220 operate in a similar manner to thecontroller 125 in FIG. 1. An exemplary controller for the system 100 orfixtures 205-220 is described with respect to FIG. 3. Thefixtures/imagers 205-220 are configured to be capable of sensing thelight 255, 260, 265, and 270 that is reflected off of the surfaces of anobject, such as the plants 225, 230. In some embodiments, thefixtures/imagers 205-220 are configured to measure light in the range ofapproximately 1 micrometer (e.g., infrared light) to approximately 200nanometers (e.g., ultraviolet light).

FIG. 3 illustrates a system 300 for implementing spectral reflectanceimaging using narrow band emitters. A controller 305 for the system 300is electrically and/or communicatively connected to a variety of modulesor components of the system 300. The controller 305 can correspond to,for example, the controller 125 of FIG. 1 or the internal controllers ofthe fixtures/imagers 205-220. For illustrative purposes, the controller305 is shown as providing drive signals independently and discretely toa plurality of drivers 310 (e.g., driver [1] to driver [N]). Thecontroller 305 is also connected to a user interface 315, a power inputcircuit 320, and an imaging sensor 325 (e.g., a monochrome camera). Thedrivers 310 are each individually connected to an array of light sources330 (e.g., LEDs). Each array of light sources 330 is configured togenerate a narrow band light output (e.g., within a variance range of+/−10 nanometers of central emitter wavelength). Each array of lightsources 330 is also configured to emit narrow band light outputscorresponding to different wavelengths of light. For example, a firstarray of light sources can produce light corresponding to infrared light(e.g., wavelengths in the range of approximately 800 nanometers to 1micrometer). A final array of light sources can produce lightcorresponding to ultraviolet light (e.g., wavelengths in the range ofapproximately 200 nanometers to 400 nanometers). In some embodiments,the system 300 includes at least ten arrays of light sources 330 (e.g.,between 10 and 35 arrays of light sources 330). In other embodiments,the system 300 includes fewer than ten arrays of light sources 330. Thearrays of light sources 330 can, for example, be spectrally evenlyspaced with respect to one another (e.g., consistent wavelength gapsbetween arrays along the electromagnetic spectrum) or the arrays oflight sources 330 can be spectrally unevenly spaced such that somearrays are closer to spectrally adjacent arrays than others. Because thearrays of light sources 330 are spectrally spaced from each other, thecorresponding wavelength range of each of the arrays of light sources330 is discrete from the other wavelength ranges of the others of thearrays of light sources 330.

Each of the arrays of light sources 330 can, for example, be housed in aseparate light fixture (such as the fixtures/imagers 105-120 and/or thefixtures/imagers 205-220 described above). Alternatively, at least someof the arrays of light sources 330 can be housed in a common lightfixture, with the corresponding drivers 310 still connected to eachrespective array of light sources 330 for individual control.

The controller 305 includes combinations of hardware and software thatare operable to, among other things, control the operation of the system300, control the output of the arrays of light sources 330 (e.g.,sequentially activating spectrally adjacent wavebands), control theoperation of the imaging sensor(s) 325, etc. The controller 305 includesa plurality of electrical and electronic components that provide power,operational control, and protection to the components and modules withinthe controller 305 and/or the system 300. For example, the controller305 includes, among other things, a processing unit 335 (e.g., amicroprocessor, a microcontroller, an electronic processor, anelectronic controller, or another suitable programmable device), amemory 340, input units 345, and output units 350. The processing unit335 includes, among other things, a control unit 355, an arithmeticlogic unit (“ALU”) 360, and a plurality of registers 365 (shown as agroup of registers in FIG. 3), and is implemented using a known computerarchitecture (e.g., a modified Harvard architecture, a von Neumannarchitecture, etc.). The processing unit 335, the memory 340, the inputunits 345, and the output units 350, as well as the various modulesconnected to the controller 305 are connected by one or more controland/or data buses (e.g., common bus 370). The control and/or data busesare shown generally in FIG. 3 for illustrative purposes.

The memory 340 is a non-transitory computer readable medium andincludes, for example, a program storage area and a data storage area.The program storage area and the data storage area can includecombinations of different types of memory, such as a ROM, a RAM (e.g.,DRAM, SDRAM, etc.), EEPROM, flash memory, a hard disk, an SD card, orother suitable magnetic, optical, physical, or electronic memorydevices. The processing unit 335 is connected to the memory 340 andexecutes software instructions that are capable of being stored in a RAMof the memory 340 (e.g., during execution), a ROM of the memory 340(e.g., on a generally permanent basis), or another non-transitorycomputer readable medium such as another memory or a disc. Softwareincluded in the implementation of the system 300 can be stored in thememory 340 of the controller 305. The software includes, for example,firmware, one or more applications, program data, filters, rules, one ormore program modules, and other executable instructions. The controller305 is configured to retrieve from the memory 340 and execute, amongother things, instructions related to the control processes and methodsdescribed herein. In other constructions, the controller 305 includesadditional, fewer, or different components.

The user interface 315 is included to provide user input to the system300 and controller 305. The user interface 315 is operably coupled tothe controller 305 to control, for example, the output of the arrays oflight sources 330, the imaging sensor 325, etc. The user interface 315can include any combination of digital and analog input devices requiredto achieve a desired level of control for the system 300. For example,the user interface 315 can include a computer having a display and inputdevices, a touch-screen display, a plurality of knobs, dials, switches,buttons, faders, or the like.

The power input circuit 320 supplies a nominal AC or DC voltage to thesystem 300 and components within the system 300. The power input circuit320 can be powered by mains power having nominal line voltages between,for example, 100V and 240V AC and frequencies of approximately 50-60 Hz.The power input circuit 320 is also configured to supply lower voltagesto operate circuits and components within the system 300 (e.g.,controller 305). Additionally or alternatively, the system 300 canreceive power from one or more batteries or battery packs.

The system 300 of FIG. 3 is used to illuminate a scene or object usingthe discretely controllable narrow band arrays of light sources 330. Theimaging sensor 325 is positioned to observe and capture images of thescene being illuminated by the individual arrays of light sources 330(e.g., one array of light sources 330 is used for illumination and imagecapture at a time). Each pixel of the imaging sensor 325 is alsoconfigured to respond to a range of wavelengths between approximately200 nanometers (e.g., ultraviolet) to 1 micrometer (e.g., infrared) andhas a known response curve. In some embodiments, the controller 305 orthe imaging sensor 325 normalizes captured images for dynamic range tominimize noise and prevent saturation of the imaging sensor 325. Such anormalization can be performed for each waveband of light produced bythe individual arrays of light sources 330. Least common denominatorvalues from the normalization can then be used for image capture topreserve relative ratios of reflectance for each waveband. Each imagecaptured by the imaging sensor 325 can be stored to the memory 340 ofthe controller 305. The images related to the same imaged object or thesame portion of an imaged scene can then be used to reconstruct orgenerate a full-spectrum color image capable of human viewing.

In some embodiments, the imaging sensor 325 is included within a lightfixture (see FIG. 2). In other embodiments, the imaging sensor 325 isseparate from a light fixture (see FIG. 1) and provides captured imagesto the controller 305 in a wired or wireless manner (e.g., usingBluetooth, ZigBee, WiFi, etc.). The imaging sensor 325 is, for example,a monochrome camera that includes only a luminance channel (e.g., noBayer filter, no color mask, no IR blocking filter, etc.). In someembodiments, such a technique is implemented in a low ambient lightenvironment (e.g., an environment having an approximate 20:1 ratio oflight source intensity to ambient light). Additionally, if the imagingsensor 325 implements auto-white balance, such a feature should bedisabled or a set of reference images should be captured using a targetobject (e.g., an object nominally white in appearance, having knownspectral reflectance) and post-image compensation should be applied. Insome embodiments, the response curve of the imaging sensor 325 todifferent wavelengths of light is compensated to produce a nominallyflat reflectance spectrum for the reference target (e.g., a whitereference surface). Additional compensation can be implemented as neededfor a particular application of the system 300, such as temperaturecompensation (e.g., using a temperature sensor), humidity compensation(e.g., using a hygrometer), compensation for chromatic aberration of thecamera optics, and other similar compensation techniques employed forimage capture and luminance measurement.

The controller 305 is configured to analyze images or image data setscollected from the imaging sensor 325 using pattern detection techniqueson the image data sets, such as by implementing specialized machinelearning algorithms, Fourier analysis, and other known methods fordetecting patterns in images. After the controller 305 has detectedpatterns in the image data sets, the controller 305 can monitor or trackthe development of an object (e.g., a plant or crop) in the scene ordetermine whether the object is experiencing distress or disease. Byusing a wide range of wavelengths of light produced by the arrays oflight sources 330, the controller 305 is able to detect such propertiesor characteristics of the object that are not viewable from directobservation (e.g., using the human eye).

In embodiments where the system 300 is implemented to analyze plants orcrops, the photobiological processes of the plants or crops can bedirectly affected by the light to which they are exposed. As a result,the controller 305 is configured to expose the plants or crops to thelight from the arrays of light sources 330 for the minimum amount oftime required for the imaging sensor 325 to capture an image. FIG. 4illustrates a timing diagram 400 according to embodiments describedherein. When the controller 305 is not controlling the arrays of lightsources 330 and imaging sensor 325 to capture images, the plants orcrops should receive only the spectrum of light and radiant powernormally required to assure growth in a particular environment or underparticular conditions (e.g., indoors). The nominal flux for normalgrowing or illumination is at 405 in FIG. 4. The time between images,T_(B), includes the normal growing light source(s) being ON. The time,T_(A1), corresponds to the time when an image is being captured using aflux from a first of the arrays of light sources 330. The intensity ofthe first array of light sources 330 is at 410 in FIG. 4. The time,T_(A2), corresponds to the time when an image is being captured using aflux from a second of the arrays of light sources 330. The intensity ofthe second array of light sources 330 is at 415 in FIG. 4. The time,T_(A3), corresponds to the time when an image is being captured using aflux from a third of the arrays of light sources 330. The intensity ofthe third array of light sources 330 is at 415 in FIG. 4. This sequenceis continued for each of the arrays of light sources 330 during aparticular imaging cycle. In some embodiments, the time for imagecapture is between two and three times the frame rate of the imagingsensor 325. As a result, at least one and no more than two whole frameswould be captured for a single waveband of light produced by one of thearrays of light sources 330. In some embodiments, an imaging cycle lastsapproximately 5-10 seconds. Therefore, the implementation of spectralreflectance imaging by the system 300 interferes as little as possiblewith the plant or crop being analyzed.

Although FIG. 4 illustrates embodiments including discrete (e.g.,separate) time periods for each of the light source 330 activations 410,415, 420, some embodiments may include overlap of the activations 410,415, 420. With regard to such embodiments, the imaging sensor(s) 325activate to sense reflected light only while one of the light source 330activations 410, 415, 420 is ongoing. Stated another way, theillumination sensing periods in which the imaging sensor(s) 325 sensesreflected light at respective wavelength ranges are discrete timeperiods in that they do not overlap temporally. For example, the firstarray of light sources 330 activates to illuminate the scene with light(such as light 140 or light 235) in a first wavelength range. Then, theimaging sensor(s) 325 activates during a first illumination sensingperiod to detect reflected light (such as light 160 or light 255) in thefirst wavelength range. Next, the imaging sensor(s) 325 deactivates toend the first illumination sensing period. Now that the firstillumination sensing period has ended, the first array of light sources330 may be extinguished contemporaneously or may be extinguished at alater time. Further, the second array of light sources 330 activates toilluminate the scene with light (such as light 145 or light 240) in asecond wavelength range. This activation of the second array of lightsources 330 may occur before the first array of light sources 330 havebeen extinguished or may happen after the first array of light sources330 have been extinguished, but the activation of the second array oflight sources 330 does not happen until after the end of the firstillumination sensing period. Once the first array of light sources 330have been extinguished and the second array of light sources 330 havebeen activated, the imaging sensor(s) 325 activate to begin a secondillumination sensing period. The process continues in such a manneruntil all the different arrays of light sources 330 corresponding torespective light wavelength ranges have operated.

A method 500 of obtaining a multispectral image of a scene is shown inFIG. 5. The method 500 may be performed using, for instance, the system300 described above. The method 500 includes a first step 505 ofdirecting light (such as light 140 or light 235) in a first wavelengthrange (such as 800 nanometers to 1 micrometer) onto a scene or an object(such as plants 130, 135 or plants 225, 230) during a first illuminationperiod (such as time T_(A1)). Next, the method 500 includes a secondstep 510 of detecting light (such as light 160 or light 255) in thefirst wavelength range (by, for instance, the imaging sensor 325)reflected off of the scene during a first illumination sensing period.First imaging data corresponding to the detected light is then stored(by, for instance, the controller 305) in a third step 515. Then, themethod 500 includes a fourth step 520 of directing light (such as light145 or light 240) in a second wavelength range onto the scene during asecond illumination period (such as time T_(A2)). Light (such as light165 or light 260) in the second wavelength range reflected off of thescene is detected during a second illumination sensing period in a fifthstep 525 of the method 500. Second imaging data corresponding to thedetected light is then stored (by, for instance, the controller 305) ina sixth step 530. During a seventh step 535, the first imaging data andthe second imaging data are then analyzed for patterns as describedabove (by, for instance, the controller 305). The method 500 can includefurther steps of directing light, detecting reflected light, and storingimaging data corresponding to additional wavelength ranges of lightemitted by additional light sources. These further steps can occur priorto the analysis step, such that the analysis is performed only onceduring the analysis step. Alternatively, the analysis may occurcontinually or continuously during the method 500.

Thus, embodiments described herein provide, among other things, systems,devices, and methods for implementing spectral reflectance imaging usingnarrow band emitters.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for obtaining a multispectral image of ascene, the system comprising: a nominal light source configured to emita nominal flux onto the scene; a first light source configured to emitfirst light onto the scene during a first sensing period; a second lightsource configured to emit second light onto the scene during a secondsensing period; an imaging device including a monochromatic imagingsensor and a controller connected to the monochromatic imaging sensor,the monochromatic imaging sensor configured to: sense the first lightthat is reflected off of the scene during the first sensing period; andsense the second light that is reflected off of the scene during thesecond sensing period; and the controller configured to: receive signalsfrom the monochromatic imaging sensor as imaging data, the signalscorresponding to the first and the second light sensed during the firstand the second sensing periods, respectively; store the imaging data;and analyze pattern data of the imaging data; wherein the nominal lightsource is off during the first sensing period and the second sensingperiod; and wherein the multispectral image of the scene is generatedusing the imaging data.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the firstlight source emits the first light in a first wavelength range, thesecond light source emits the second light in a second wavelength range,and the first wavelength range and the second wavelength range arediscrete ranges.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first wavelengthrange is 800 nanometers to 1 micrometer, and wherein the secondwavelength range is 200 nanometers to 400 nanometers.
 4. The system ofclaim 3, further comprising a plurality of light sources, the pluralityof light sources including the first light source, the second lightsource, and a third light source configured to emit third light in athird wavelength range onto the scene.
 5. The system of claim 2, whereinthe first and the second wavelength ranges are evenly spaced along aspectrum.
 6. The system of claim 2, wherein the first and the secondwavelength ranges are unevenly spaced along a spectrum.
 7. The system ofclaim 4, wherein: the plurality of light sources includes ten lightsources; and each of the ten light sources is configured to emit lightin a discrete wavelength range.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein thecontroller is configured to analyze the imaging data with respect to aplurality of dimensions, and wherein the plurality of dimensionsincludes first and second dimensions corresponding to x-y spatialdimensions of an imaged object, and wherein the plurality of dimensionsincludes a third dimension corresponding to a spectral dimension of theimaged object.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the plurality ofdimensions includes a fourth dimension corresponding to a time ofcapture of the imaged object.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein thefirst light source includes a first array of light-emitting diodes, andthe second light source includes a second array of light-emittingdiodes.
 11. The system of claim 2, wherein the monochromatic imagingsensor is a first monochromatic imaging sensor, and the imaging deviceincludes a second monochromatic imaging sensor connected to thecontroller, wherein the first monochromatic imaging sensor is configuredto sense the first light in the first wavelength range reflected off ofthe scene during the first sensing period, and wherein the secondmonochromatic imaging sensor is configured to sense the second light inthe second wavelength range reflected off of the scene during the secondsensing period.
 12. The system of claim 11, further comprising: a firstfixture including: the first light source, and the first monochromaticimaging sensor; and a second fixture including: the second light source,and the second monochromatic imaging sensor; wherein the controller isfurther connected to the first light source and the second light source.13. A method of obtaining a multispectral image of a scene, the methodcomprising: directing a nominal light onto the scene; directing otherlight onto the scene during a first illumination sensing period andduring a second illumination sensing period; detecting the other lightafter the other light has reflected off of the scene during the firstillumination sensing period and during the second illumination sensingperiod, wherein the nominal light is off during the first illuminationsensing period and the second illumination sensing period; storingimaging data corresponding to the detected light; analyzing the imagingdata to identify a pattern in the imaging data; and generating amultispectral image of the scene.
 14. The method of claim 13, whereinthe other light comprises first light and second light, and wherein afirst light source emits the first light in a first wavelength range, asecond light source emits the second light in a second wavelength range,and the first wavelength range and the second wavelength range arediscrete ranges.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the firstwavelength range is 800 nanometers to 1 micrometer.
 16. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the second wavelength range is 200 nanometers to 400nanometers.
 17. The method of claim 13, further comprising: using amonochrome camera to detect the other light after the other light hasreflected off of the scene during the first illumination sensing periodand during the second illumination sensing period.
 18. The method ofclaim 13, wherein analyzing the imaging data to identify a pattern inthe imaging data includes analyzing the imaging data with respect to aplurality of dimensions, and wherein the plurality of dimensionsincludes first and second dimensions corresponding to x-y spatialdimensions of an imaged object.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein theplurality of dimensions includes a third dimension corresponding to aspectral dimension of the imaged object.
 20. The method of claim 19,wherein the plurality of dimensions includes a fourth dimensioncorresponding to a time of capture of the imaged object.